Illumination Characteristics of Mobility Lights

Abstract

<jats:p> The authors measured the light-distribution patterns and the decay in light output of three mobility lights that visually impaired persons can use for night travel: the Wide-Angle Mobility Light (WAML), the Streamlight, and the Mag-Lite. The WAML had a wide beam with a medium-bright central region. The beam of the Streamlight had the brightest central region and a moderately wide surround of lower illumination. The Mag-Lite had the narrowest light distribution about a bright central spot. Both the Streamlight and the Mag-Lite maintained near-maximum brightness before undergoing rapid decay, while the WAML showed a gradual decay changing from near-maximum brightness to near extinction in almost a linear fashion 40 to 80 minutes after being turned on. </jats:p>

Assistive Technology For Night Blind Tourist

“…The WAML is an example of a portable illumination device that has been firmly outfitted for use as a low-vision device for night mobility. This is most widely used night mobility device, and it is described as the most appropriate portable illumination device for persons with both night blindness and restricted visual fields (Wacker, et al, 1990). This device is worn with a shoulder belt and carried on the hip.…”

Connecting Research on Retinitis Pigmentosa to the Practice of Orientation and Mobility

“…Most persons with RP report having little, if any, ability to adapt to darkened travel conditions, essentially traveling with little or no usable vision in these situations. When clients want to work with options that maintain or enhance visual input, O&M instructors have introduced a variety of handheld light sources, ranging from simple over-the-counter flashlights (such as the Mag-lite) and handheld video camera lights to more advanced systems (for an overview of the various light sources, see Wacker et al, 1990). One device that has been marketed specifically for night blindness is the Wide Angle Mobility Light (WAML; see Marmor, Ault, & Shamlian, 1980).…”